Dodge Durango, Journey, Grand Caravan Get Blacktop Treatment

Aggressive Styling Package Expanded to SUVs, Minivan

Dodge has long been known for its visually assertive packages and special editions, and although the tastefulness of the treatments could be debated, they always seem to strike a chord with the Mopar faithful. First rolled out on the Charger, Challenger, and Avenger models, the Blacktop package, consisting of special wheel, grille, and headlight styling treatments, is now being offered on the Dodge Durango, Journey, and, yes, even the Grand Caravan.

The specific contents of the Blacktop package vary slightly from model to model, but the common components on all consist of special wheels with dark accents, unique grille treatments, and darkened headlamp bezels.

On the Durango, the Blacktop package is available on Rallye and R/T trims and consists of gloss black 20-inch wheels and grille for the bargain price of just $295. For the Durango Rallye Blacktop, the interior can be upgraded to R/T trim with Digital Suede (as opposed to Analog Suede?) inserts, with Capri bolsters and red accent stitching and a 12-way adjustable power driver's seat for an additional $595. Available colors on the Durango Blacktop are Bright White, Brilliant Black, Granite Crystal, Billet Silver, and Redline Red.

The Blacktop package on the Journey is the most expensive, but also the most comprehensive. The $895 package, in addition to the styling enhancements of 19-inch gloss black wheels, headlamp bezels, lower fascia accent, and exterior mirrors, includes the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. The package is available on SXT-trim Journeys. Customers get a choice of black cloth or leather seats, with the leather seats getting heaters and a heated steering wheel. Available colors are Bright Silver, Bright Red, Brilliant Black, Brilliant Red Tri-Coat, White, Pearl White Tri-Coat, and Storm Grey.

Not to be forgotten, especially for those dads forced by necessity to have a minivan, is the Grand Caravan Blacktop. Available on the SXT trim, the Blacktop package on the Grand Caravan includes 17-inch wheels with gloss black pockets, a gloss black grille, headlamp bezels, and foglamps. The interior gets an all-black treatment including the headliner and door panels and the so-called "Super Console." A leather-wrapped shift knob rounds out the upgrades. The Blacktop package is priced at $595 for the Grand Caravan. Colors available are Billet Silver, Brilliant Black, Maximum Steel, Redline, and Stone White.

The Durango Blacktop will hit dealerships the first quarter of 2013, with the Journey and Grand Caravan blacktops following in the second quarter of the year.